Evolution and phylogeny of mammals

We study phylogenetic relationships in some mammalian groups (e.g. arvicoline rodents, equids, carnivores, deer) based on combined evidence (morphology, life-history parameters, ecology, genetic evidence) and evolution of particular characters. We also document morphological parameters of some rare mammals (wild equids, rhinoceroses, Bale monkey, clouded rats) or some particular characters across mammals (eyelid glands, penial and bacular morphology), partly also captivity-induced changes in wild mammals kept in zoos (equids, carnivores). Important part of our activities is focused on genetic assessment of zoo-populations (e.g. aardvark, pygmy slow loris, sika deer, hog deer). Currently we try to assess the role of the Mongolian region in species divergence and diversity of mammals. Data for our research topics are collected in zoos, museum collections and genetic lab.